The Navy announced one of its next two destroyers will be named after the late Sen. Daniel Inouye.

“As secretary of the Navy it is my privilege to name these ships to honor a respected naval leader and a true American hero.” Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus said. “For decades to come, the future USS Paul Ignatius and USS Daniel Inouye will represent the United States and enable the building of partnerships and projection of power around the world.”

According to the Navy, Inouye was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions in Tuscany, Italy during World War II. He died in December at the age of 88.

The Navy says Ignatius served as secretary of the Navy from 1967 to 1969. He was also an assistant secretary of defense under President Lyndon Johnson.

The future Arleigh Burke-class destroyers will conduct a variety of operations including peacetime presence, crisis management, sea control and power projection.

The destroyers are capable of fighting air, surface and substance battles simultaneously and contain various offensive and defensive weapons designed to support maritime warfare.